New International Versionand declared, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”
New Living Translationwho declared, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the Temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”
English Standard Versionand said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.’”
Berean Standard Bibleand declared, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”
Berean Literal Biblethey said, "This man has been saying, 'I am able to destroy the temple of God and to rebuild it in three days.'"
King James BibleAnd said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.
New King James Versionand said, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.’ ”
New American Standard Bibleand said, “This man stated, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to rebuild it in three days.’”
NASB 1995and said, “This man stated, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to rebuild it in three days.’”
NASB 1977and said, “This man stated, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to rebuild it in three days.’”
Legacy Standard Bibleand said, “This man stated, ‘I am able to destroy the sanctuary of God and to rebuild it in three days.’”
Amplified Bibleand testified, “This man said, ‘I am able to tear down the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”
Christian Standard Biblestated, “This man said, ‘I can destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’ ”
Holman Christian Standard Biblestated, “This man said, ‘I can demolish God’s sanctuary and rebuild it in three days.’”
American Standard Versionand said, This man said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.
Contemporary English Versionand said, "This man claimed he could tear down God's temple and build it again in three days."
English Revised Versionand said, This man said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThey stated, "This man said, 'I can tear down God's temple and rebuild it in three days.'"
Good News Translationand said, "This man said, 'I am able to tear down God's Temple and three days later build it back up.'"
International Standard Versionand stated, "This man said, 'I can destroy the sanctuary of God and rebuild it in three days.'"
NET Bibleand declared, "This man said, 'I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.'"
New Heart English Bibleand said, "This man said, 'I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.'"
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd said, This man said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.
Weymouth New Testamentwho testified, "This man said, 'I am able to pull down the Sanctuary of God and three days afterwards to build a new one.'" Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bibleand declared, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”
World English Bibleand said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.’” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionsaid, “This One said, I am able to throw down the temple of God, and after three days to build it.”
Berean Literal Biblethey said, "This man has been saying, 'I am able to destroy the temple of God and to rebuild it in three days.'"
Young's Literal Translation said, 'This one said, I am able to throw down the sanctuary of God, and after three days to build it.'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd afterwards two false witnesses, having come near, said, This said, I can loosen the temple of God, and after three days build it. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd they said: This man said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and after three days to rebuild it.
Catholic Public Domain Versionand they said, “This man said: ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and, after three days, to rebuild it.’ ”
New American Biblewho stated, “This man said, ‘I can destroy the temple of God and within three days rebuild it.’ ”
New Revised Standard Versionand said, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.’” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd said, This man said, I can tear down the temple of God, and build it in three days.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd they were saying: “This one said, 'I can destroy The Temple of God and in three days I shall build it.'” NT Translations Anderson New Testamentand said: This man said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.
Godbey New TestamentAnd afterwards two false witnesses having come forward, said, He said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and build it in three days.
Haweis New Testamentsaid, This fellow said, I am able to pull down the temple of God, and to build it up in three days.
Mace New Testament"I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days."
Weymouth New Testamentwho testified, "This man said, 'I am able to pull down the Sanctuary of God and three days afterwards to build a new one.'"
Worrell New Testamentsaid, "This Man, said, 'I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.'"
Worsley New TestamentThis fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Jesus Faces the Sanhedrin… 60But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward 61and declared,“This mansaid,‘I am ableto destroythetempleof Godandrebuild itinthreedays.’”62So the high priest stood up and asked Him, “Have You no answer? What are these men testifying against You?”…
Cross References John 2:19-21Jesus answered, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up again.” / “This temple took forty-six years to build,” the Jews replied, “and You are going to raise it up in three days?” / But Jesus was speaking about the temple of His body.
Mark 14:58“We heard Him say, ‘I will destroy this man-made temple, and in three days I will build another that is made without hands.’”
Acts 6:14For we have heard him say that Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.”
Matthew 27:40and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross!”
John 10:18No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from My Father.”
1 Corinthians 3:16-17Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? / If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.
1 Corinthians 6:19Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;
Ephesians 2:19-22Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, / built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. / In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. ...
Hebrews 9:11But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made by hands and is not a part of this creation.
Revelation 21:22But I saw no temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.
Isaiah 53:7He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth.
Psalm 118:22The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.
Zechariah 6:12-13And you are to tell him that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Here is a man whose name is the Branch, and He will branch out from His place and build the temple of the LORD. / Yes, He will build the temple of the LORD; He will be clothed in splendor and will sit on His throne and rule. And He will be a priest on His throne, and there will be peaceful counsel between the two.’
Isaiah 28:16So this is what the Lord GOD says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken.
Jeremiah 7:4Do not trust in deceptive words, saying: ‘This is the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD.’
Treasury of Scripture And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days. This. Matthew 26:71 And when he was gone out into the porch, anothermaid saw him, and said unto them that were there, Thisfellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. Matthew 12:24 But when the Pharisees heardit, they said, Thisfellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. Genesis 19:9 And they said, Stand back. And they saidagain, This onefellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man,even Lot, and came near to break the door. I am. Matthew 27:40 And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildestit in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. Jeremiah 26:8-11,16-19 Now it came to pass, when Jeremiah had made an end of speaking all that the LORD had commandedhim to speak unto all the people, that the priests and the prophets and all the people took him, saying, Thou shalt surely die… Mark 15:29 And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildestit in three days, Jump to Previous AbleAfterwardsBuildDeclaredDestroyDestructionFellowLaterNewPullRebuildSanctuaryStatedTempleTestifiedThreeThrowJump to Next AbleAfterwardsBuildDeclaredDestroyDestructionFellowLaterNewPullRebuildSanctuaryStatedTempleTestifiedThreeThrowMatthew 26 1.Jesus foretells his own death.3.The rulers conspire against him.6.The woman anoints his feet.14.Judas bargains to betray him.17.Jesus eats the Passover;26.institutes his holy supper;30.foretells the desertion of his disciples, and Peter's denial;36.prays in the garden;47.and being betrayed by a kiss,57.is carried to Caiaphas,69.and denied by Peter.and declaredThis phrase introduces the testimony of false witnesses during Jesus' trial before the Sanhedrin. In Jewish legal proceedings, the testimony of two or more witnesses was required to establish a charge ( Deuteronomy 19:15). The use of "declared" indicates a formal accusation, highlighting the gravity of the situation. The context is a judicial setting where Jesus is being tried for blasphemy and other charges. “This man said,
The accusers refer to Jesus as "this man," a term that distances them from Him and diminishes His authority. It reflects their intent to portray Him as merely a human making audacious claims. This phrase is part of the broader narrative where Jesus' identity and authority are central themes, as seen throughout the Gospel of Matthew. ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God
This statement is a misrepresentation of Jesus' words. InJohn 2:19, Jesus speaks of destroying "this temple," referring metaphorically to His body, not the physical temple in Jerusalem. The temple was the center of Jewish worship and national identity, and any threat against it was considered blasphemous and seditious. The temple's destruction and rebuilding are prophetic themes, with Jesus foreshadowing His death and resurrection. and rebuild it in three days.’”
The claim of rebuilding the temple in three days is a reference to Jesus' resurrection. The "three days" is significant in biblical typology, often associated with divine intervention and new beginnings (e.g.,Jonah 1:17,Hosea 6:2). This phrase underscores Jesus' power over life and death, affirming His divine nature. The misunderstanding of His words by the accusers highlights their spiritual blindness and inability to grasp the deeper truths of His mission. Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristCentral figure in this passage, accused of claiming He could destroy and rebuild the temple in three days. This statement is a reference to His death and resurrection. 2. The TempleThe physical temple in Jerusalem, a sacred place for Jewish worship and the center of religious life. Symbolically, it also represents Jesus' body. 3. The SanhedrinThe Jewish council responsible for religious decisions and trials. They are the ones questioning Jesus and seeking evidence against Him. 4. False WitnessesIndividuals who came forward to testify against Jesus, misrepresenting His words to accuse Him of blasphemy. 5. CaiaphasThe high priest at the time, presiding over the trial of Jesus and seeking to find grounds for His execution. Teaching Points Understanding MisinterpretationMisinterpretations of Jesus' words can lead to false accusations. It's crucial to seek the true meaning of Scripture through careful study and prayer. Symbolism of the TempleThe temple represents more than a physical structure; it symbolizes God's presence and, in the New Testament, the body of Christ. Recognize the spiritual significance of biblical symbols. The Power of ResurrectionJesus' statement about rebuilding the temple in three days points to His resurrection, a cornerstone of Christian faith. Embrace the hope and power of the resurrection in daily life. Facing False AccusationsJesus faced false accusations with dignity and truth. As believers, we should respond to misunderstandings and falsehoods with grace and integrity. The Role of ProphecyJesus' words were prophetic, pointing to His death and resurrection. Trust in God's prophetic word and its fulfillment in His perfect timing. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Matthew 26:61?
2.How does Matthew 26:61 illustrate Jesus' awareness of His sacrificial mission?
3.What Old Testament prophecies connect to Jesus' statement about the temple in Matthew 26:61?
4.How can we apply Jesus' example of facing false accusations in our lives?
5.Why is understanding the context of Matthew 26:61 crucial for interpreting Jesus' words?
6.How does Matthew 26:61 challenge us to trust God's plan amid adversity?
7.How does Matthew 26:61 challenge the authority of religious institutions?
8.What historical evidence supports the events described in Matthew 26:61?
9.How does Matthew 26:61 relate to Jesus' prophecy about the temple's destruction?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 26?
11.What is the Holy of Holies in the Bible?
12.Why do different Gospels have different reasons for why Jesus was arrested?
13.Why does Luke 23:45 record the temple curtain tearing from top to bottom if no Jewish historian mentions such a monumental event?
14.Did Jesus cleanse the temple the same day he entered Jerusalem? Yes (Matthew 21:12) or No, he waited until the next day (Mark 11:1-17)?What Does Matthew 26:61 Mean and declared- The scene is the nighttime trial before the Sanhedrin. False witnesses step forward, yet even their testimonies do not agree (Mark 14:56). - Their “declaration” shows how determined the leaders are to condemn Jesus; they are grasping for any charge that will stick (Matthew 26:59). - Ironically, their words put on record a prophecy Jesus actually gave—one they will help fulfill (Acts 2:23–24).
This man said- The accusers refuse to name Jesus reverently; “this man” betrays their contempt (Luke 22:63–65). - Scripture records Jesus’ true words openly (John 18:20). The witnesses twist them, yet their distortion underscores how accurately Jesus spoke of His death and resurrection (John 2:19–21). - Even in slander, God’s plan advances; He uses the hostility of men to highlight His Son’s mission (Psalm 76:10).
I am able to destroy the temple of God- Jesus never threatened to vandalize the physical temple. He referred to “the temple of His body” (John 2:21). - The statement points to His voluntary, sacrificial death. He lays down His life of His own accord (John 10:17–18). - The religious leaders prize the stone building, yet miss the living Temple standing before them (Matthew 12:6). - Their charge becomes tragically prophetic: by orchestrating His death, they will in fact “destroy” the true Temple.
and rebuild it in three days- “Three days” is a consistent sign Jesus gives regarding His resurrection (Matthew 12:40; 16:21; 17:23). - Easter morning proves His ability to “rebuild” what sin and death tried to dismantle (Luke 24:6–7). - The speed—three days—highlights divine power: unlike Solomon’s decades-long construction, the risen Christ inaugurates a new, indestructible dwelling place swiftly (Revelation 21:22). - The promise extends to believers: because He lives, we too are raised to new life, becoming God’s temple (1 Corinthians 6:19;1 Peter 2:5).
summaryMatthew 26:61 records a twisted version of Jesus’ own prophecy, offered by hostile witnesses determined to condemn Him. They misunderstand (or deliberately misstate) His reference to “the temple,” yet their accusation perfectly mirrors what will happen: the leaders will orchestrate His death, but on the third day He will rise, rebuilding the true Temple—His body—forever. What they meant for evil, God used to spotlight the central gospel truth: the crucified and risen Christ is the ultimate meeting place between God and humanity. (61) This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God.--It is remarkable that the two Gospels which record the charge do not record the words in which it had its starting-point. Apparently, the second cleansing of the Temple ( Matthew 21:12) had revived the memory of the first, and brought back to men's minds the words that had then been spoken--"Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" ( John 2:19). What was now reported was a sufficiently natural distortion of what had then been said. St. Mark adds that even then the witnesses did not agree. There were still discrepancies as to time, place, and the exact words, that did not fit in with the established rules of evidence. Verse 61. - This fellow ( οῦτος). Contemptuously, displaying their animosity by the disrespectful use of the pronoun. I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days. This is a distorted account of what our Lord said at his first purgation of the temple, when asked to give a sign in proof of his authority. Speaking metaphorically of his body, he had made this announcement, "Destroy ye this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" ( John 2:19). At the time the Jews had not understood the words, and they now pervert them into a criminal accusation, which might take the form of charging him with being either an impious fomenter of disturbance, or a pretender to superhuman powers, Divine or Satanic. In either case, the charge would bring him into collision with the Roman authorities, which was the real object of this preliminary inquiry. We must not forget that Christ had twice interfered with the traffic in the temple, which was carried on to the great profit of the avaricious family of Annas, and that the malice of the high priests was on this account greatly embittered.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek [and] said,εἶπαν(eipan)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2036:Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.“This [man]Οὗτος(Houtos)Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.declared,ἔφη(ephē)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5346:To say, declare. Properly, the same as the base of phos and phaino; to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e. Speak or say.‘I am ableΔύναμαι(Dynamai)Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1410:(a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.to destroyκαταλῦσαι(katalysai)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 2647:From kata and luo; to loosen down, i.e. to demolish; specially to halt for the night.theτὸν(ton)Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.templeναὸν(naon)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3485:A temple, a shrine, that part of the temple where God himself resides. From a primary naio; a fane, shrine, temple.of GodΘεοῦ(Theou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.rebuild itοἰκοδομῆσαι(oikodomēsai)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 3618:From the same as oikodome; to be a house-builder, i.e. Construct or confirm.inδιὰ(dia)Preposition
Strong's 1223:A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.threeτριῶν(triōn)Adjective - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 5140:Three. Or neuter tria a primary number; 'three'.days.’”ἡμερῶν(hēmerōn)Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 2250:A day, the period from sunrise to sunset.
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NT Gospels: Matthew 26:61 And said This man said 'I (Matt. Mat Mt) |
